Anticipated Features of iOS 19 Ahead of WWDC 2025
As Apple gears up for the unveiling of iOS 19 at the upcoming WWDC 2025 scheduled for Monday, a wave of exciting rumors has emerged. Speculations suggest a potential rebranding of the operating system, the introduction of a dedicated gaming app, and the inclusion of a virtual health coach. This release could mark a significant transformation, featuring a redesign influenced by Apple’s Vision Pro technology.
Possible Name Change for iOS
Bloomberg reports that Apple may rebrand its operating systems to reflect release years instead of version numbers. Thus, iOS 19 might be renamed to iOS 26, aligning with the naming conventions used for car models. This shift is expected to extend to other software updates, including iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
Major Design Overhaul
One of the most talked-about changes involves a comprehensive redesign of the operating system, anticipated to be the most extensive since iOS 7. The new look, inspired by the Vision Pro headset, is referred to as "Liquid Glass" within Apple. This design could feature translucent navigation panels and circular app icons, aiming for a unified experience across the Apple ecosystem, including CarPlay.
Key applications like the Phone app, Camera, and Safari are expected to see significant updates. For example, the Phone app might introduce a feature that consolidates favorite contacts, recent calls, and voicemails into one interface, while both Camera and Safari are projected to receive visual enhancements, such as a transparent address bar in the latter.
Introduction of a Dedicated Gaming App
Apple is rumored to be developing a new gaming app that will merge the capabilities of Apple Arcade with the App Store’s game offerings. This centralized hub is expected to provide users access to achievements, leaderboards, and other gaming content. This initiative follows Apple’s acquisition of its first gaming studio, RAC7.
Virtual Health Coach Development
In a bid to enhance user health management, Apple might introduce an AI-driven personal health coach feature. This tool is expected to provide lifestyle recommendations based on data from the Health app. Additionally, the app may see a revamp, incorporating food-tracking capabilities to help users monitor their carbohydrate and caffeine intake.
Enhanced Battery Management Features
Anticipated improvements to battery management could involve artificial intelligence to monitor device use and optimize battery life. Users might see a new charging icon on their lock screens that estimates completion times for charging. Another exciting prospect is the potential testing of reverse wireless charging on the iPhone 17 Pro, enabling users to charge Apple accessories like AirPods and Apple Watches directly from their devices.
AI Translation Features in Messages
The Messages app may be upgraded with an AI-powered translation feature, allowing automatic translations of incoming messages. Reports also suggest the addition of a polling feature in group chats, enabling users to vote and receive AI-generated poll suggestions. Furthermore, a new background image feature in Messages could align the app with functionalities found in platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram.
Potential Preview App for iPhone and iPad
Apple is considering bringing its macOS Preview app to iPad and iPhone, which would allow users to annotate and edit PDFs seamlessly. This tool may be preinstalled on devices, enhancing productivity for users.
Introduction of Genmoji Feature
An exciting new feature, Genmoji, could allow users to combine standard emojis into unique designs. For instance, a basketball emoji entering a trash can might become a creative expression option.
What’s Next for Siri?
Interestingly, there has been little discussion about the enhanced Siri capabilities anticipated from Apple’s 2024 presentation. These features, designed to provide a more context-aware assistant, have reportedly faced delays.
As WWDC 2025 approaches, expectations for AI-related announcements remain high, especially concerning design modifications. Reports indicate that Apple will unveil improvements to existing AI features, alongside introducing new functionalities.
This story was originally published on June 3 and will be updated as fresh information becomes available.
